Warriors, Those

Next Tuesday is Veteran’s Day.  We have much to be grateful for, and much to learn from the warriors who toe the line to serve and protect our country.  Their willingness to fight, and lay down their lives if need be, touches me deeply and makes me want to be a warrior against injustices, too.  A few years ago, I wrote the following poem

to honor those who stand watch.  It’s called, Warriors, Those.

Tire tracks; and bullets loaded

Fire teams; and maps decoded

Sulfur clouds; and mountain air

Boots, and rucks, and guns, and snares

Mud and diesel; hope, and fear

Can you smell it?

Battle’s near.

In the balance: love and breath

In the balance: life and death

Not immortal; willing, though

Can you sense it?

Warriors, those.

Wet from rain, and sweat, and tears 

Push through pain; survive the fears

Always marching: swamps and snows

Do you hear them?

Warriors, those. 

Ever onward, no retreat

Battle ready; weary feet

Weapons scarred and tattered clothes

Can you see them?

Warriors, those.

The men beside - shoulder to shoulder

More than teammates - now a brother 

Last full measure, danger close

Strong together...

Warriors, those. 

Flag and country, family, home

All behind ‘till freedom’s won

Shields at ready, face what comes

Can you keep up? 

Warriors run!

Now it’s your time. Do not wait

Stand for battle - hero’s fate

In your belly, fire grows

Will you join them?

Warriors, those.

I will join them, I will stand.

I will go to distant lands.

Willing to pay my last full measure.

Willing to fight for human treasure.

I’ll gear up in warrior clothes

Stand beside my warrior bros.

Even as the battle grows

Count ME among the warriors’ rows.

I see a generation of battle-ready lions rising, running, and roaring for Jesus

in a world that needs men and women of strong faith, like never before.

Live like a warrior today, lion!